Takeaways from Putnam City West versus Norman North

<p>Putnam City West is headed to the 6A State Tournament after they defeated Norman North 79-61 in Area. Here are the top five takeaways from the matchup:</p> <p><strong>PC West just keeps turning up the pressure until you break</strong></p> <p>West had a poor first quarter to to mistakes defensively and some confusion on offense. However, the Patriots adapted their game plan and changed the game. </p> <p>On defense, PCW wanted to force the NN guards to beat them. They applied pressure on the opposing guards by using traps on makes and misses which made the game hectic which is where PCW thrives. </p> <p>Offensively, PCW had to adjust to NN playing a box-and-1 on Rondel Walker. There was some hesitation from the Patriots early on but they begin to attack the defense with all of their weapons. </p> <p><strong>MJ Warrior and Shelby Sampleton took over the game for West</strong></p> <p>With Walker having less touches then usual, other players where going to have to step up for PCW. Warrior and Sampleton took up the challenge and thrived with the ball in their hands. </p> <p>Warrior finished with 26 points due to his ability to get to the rim whenever he wanted and finishing the majority of his shots around the rim. </p> <p>It was a quiet 26 points because he didnt do it chunking up shots from deep. He stayed with what was working form and that was getting his feet in the painted area and being aggressive. </p> <p>Sampleton is known for being a knock down shooter but he showed against NN the ability to get to the rim and finish with contact. He got his opportunities from deep but most of his 21 points were finishing while rightfully yelling and-1. </p> <p><strong>Aiden Walker is a Glue-Guy All Star</strong></p> <p>Walker didn't start the game but when he entered the contest his presence was clear immediately. Every loose ball was his and he seemed to always be at the right spot at the right time to finish around the basket. </p> <p>Its always fun to see a role player shine in what they do best and Walker showed why he is one of the better glue-guys in 6A.</p> <p>Often glue-guys do all the dirty work but don't necessarily score but Walker has that as apart of his game as well. He scored around the basket on rebounds and drop offs and he also hit two shots from the perimeter.</p> <p>Im sure the T'Wolves want Walker to be more aggressive on the offensive end of the floor. </p> <p>Walker thrived as a glue-guy and he helped NN keep the game close for the first three quarters. </p> <p><strong>Rondel Walker has what it takes to lead PC West to the promise land</strong></p> <p>Walker didn't have to dominate in this game due to NN's gameplan against him but also the production from Warrior and Sampleton.</p> <p>However, Walker doesn't mind putting the Patriots on his back and carrying them through tough times as he has scored over 30 points numerous times this season. </p> <p>Walker has a complete offensive game at the HS level which makes it extremely difficult to gameplan for. The 2020 D1 prospect scored 11 points total but he let his teammates eat. </p> <p>To win 6A, Walker is going to have to play like the best player in Oklahoma which he has the ability to do. </p> <p><strong>If PC West hits shots from outside, they can make a run in Tulsa</strong></p> <p>PC West has some offensive firepower when their shots are falling. T</p> <p>hey have moments where their shots from deep dont fall and thats when things get interesting however having a player like Walker who can get where he wants in a one-on-one situation and create for others. </p> <p>If players like Sampleton, Warrior, and Scales can hit shots consistently then West has a chance against anybody in 6A this year. That will only open up things for Walker to explore his options off the dribble. </p> <p>All West needs is a few shots to fall and the momentum swing grabs a hold of you and even if you are up 20 against them you begin to have some doubt. </p> <p>No other team feeds off of their crowd more than West. They get going and the opposing team begins to crumble amidst the pressure. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>